Qatar is preparing to revive a distinctive sporting tradition with the launch of the 4th edition of the Pearl Ramadan Beach Volleyball Championship “Ekbes 2026”, which kicks off on the sixth day of the holy month of Ramadan on The Pearl Island. This comes as part of a strategic step to further enhance the tournament’s stature and enrich both the fan and sporting experience at the same time.
The “Ekbes” Championship is considered one of the most prominent sports and entertainment events in Doha during the holy month of Ramadan. Over the past years, it has successfully combined intense sporting competition with an enthusiastic fan atmosphere, making it a favorite destination for athletes and beach volleyball fans alike.
The tournament draw ceremony, held at Marsa Malaz Kempinski – The Pearl, witnessed a distinguished attendance by senior sports officials, representatives of sponsoring companies, team leaders, and various media outlets, reflecting the strong support and wide interest the championship enjoys at both the local and regional levels.
The draw resulted in the 12 participating teams being divided into four groups, with three teams in each group. Group One includes Lekhwiya, Seashore, and Lusail, while Group Two features the Ministry of Interior, Al Rayyan, and Al Dafna. Group Three comprises Al Mirqab, Madinat Khalifa, and Al Ittihad, and Group Four includes Al Jassasiya, Victoria, and Al Zubarah.
New Venue
The fourth edition marks a qualitative shift in terms of the tournament venue, as the competitions will be held for the first time on the beaches of The Pearl Island, one of Qatar’s most prestigious tourism and leisure destinations. This move enhances the event’s appeal and offers players and fans a unique experience that blends sport with stunning natural scenery and advanced services.
Prize Money and Fan Engagement
His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nawaf Al Thani, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, confirmed that preparations are progressing smoothly according to a well-structured plan, noting that the championship will run for 12 days and feature strong participation from teams competing for the title in a highly enthusiastic atmosphere.
Sheikh Abdullah explained that the prize money for the top three teams has been increased to QAR 200,000, distributed as follows: QAR 100,000 for first place, QAR 50,000 for second, and QAR 30,000 for third. In addition, fan prizes worth approximately QAR 600,000 will be distributed throughout the tournament days to encourage attendance and active audience participation.
For his part, Yasser Al Jaida, Chief Executive Officer of United Development Company, the official sponsor of the championship, stated that the company’s support comes within a comprehensive strategy to promote sport and community health. He emphasized that hosting the tournament on The Pearl Island highlights its advanced status as an integrated destination for hosting major sporting events.
Meanwhile, Abdullah Al Yafei, Tournament Director, confirmed that the competition schedule will be action-packed, with three matches held daily throughout the tournament, ensuring a high competitive pace and motivating fans to follow the championship continuously.
Al Yafei added that the organizing committee has been keen to further develop the event this year by introducing a variety of entertainment and family-friendly activities, aimed at delivering a comprehensive experience for spectators. These include musical performances, children’s entertainment games, dedicated family areas, and interactive activities with participating athletes.
In turn, Mohammed Salem Al Kuwari, Chairman of the Beach Volleyball Committee at the Qatar Volleyball Association, stated that the draw of the Pearl “Ekbes” Championship was well balanced based on the classification of the participating teams. He noted that this edition is expected to witness strong competition compared to previous editions, driven by the anticipated large fan turnout during Ramadan and the valuable prizes allocated for spectators.
